OSHA and ANSI
What are the rules for safety signs? What’s required?Decades ago, OSHA created a rule for consistent safety signage in the workplace: 29 CFR 1910.145. This regulation describes types of signs for preventing accidents and injuries.
Originally, the rule referred to the approach used in an industry-standard called ANSI Z53 (1967). Since then, that industry standard has been revised many times: the current version is ANSI/NEMA Z535 (2017).
OSHA lets employers follow newer editions of a referenced standard whenever that will provide equal or better protection for workers. Industry experts recommend keeping facility signs clear and up-to-date using this most recent standard.
Parts of a Safety Sign
A clear and consistent format is key to quick recognition and understanding.- Signal Word Panel (Header)
- Safety Alert Symbol
- Signal Word
- Message Panel
- Message Text
- Symbol or Pictogram
Choosing a Sign Header
Is it a Hazardous Situation?
- If No: use a SAFETY or NOTICE header
- If Yes: Is there potential for an accident?
- If No: use a NOTICE header
- If Yes:
- If it will cause death or injury: use DANGER header
- If it may cause death or serious injury: use WARNING header
- If it may cause minor or moderate injury: use CAUTION header
- If it may cause property damage: use NOTICE header
- If No: use a NOTICE header
Writing a Message
When choosing what a sign will say, make your message clear, direct, and readable.- Most urgent information first
- Direct instructions
- Simple phrasing
- Sentence-style capitalization
- Left-aligned text
- Sans-serif font (like Arial or Helvetica)
Symbols and Pictograms
The right image can clarify or support a sign’s message.Choose a symbol that’s easy to recognize and relates directly to the most important information on a sign. If a specific hazard is present or specific PPE is needed, show it with an image.
Optionally, a symbol can appear with a surrounding shape. These shapes have useful meanings:
- (Triangle) Hazard Alert
- (Circle) Mandatory
- (Circle with Slash) Prohibited
- (Square) Information
Meet industry standards and comply with OSHA regulations with Graphic Products’ free OSHA Safety Signs Guide.
